Ron Paul is a fine man. But I guess that's all he is.

[steph3n]

It's not "spot on". Paul is indeed a philosophical leader, and not a political leader, but I don't think he is in it for the fame and thinks it's about him. He seems to be an activist rather than what everyone wanted, which was a person who could go toe-to-toe with the two party system and get a significant amount of votes. But he isn't, he ran to express his ideas, I don't think ever wanted to be President. He just wanted his ideas, our ideas, to rise out of it all.

Though I think, if the Campaign for Liberty can grow, he will leave more than the philosophical message that he has done these past two years. Something good will spawn out of it all, but people demand change now rather than later. I can't disagree with them.

Also, he just doesn't like endorsing people when he knows his followers will want to vote for someone else.

I don't think Paul cares about any fame or fortune at all, he has all he needs.

The problem is and why Obama was so liked by some initially, people are looking for a political savior when what they should be looking for is the will to stand up THEMSELVES.

I think that is the biggest point Ron has tried to get across it is not about him, but some still want it to be about HIM an HIM ONLY. it is about US.

 

[steph3n]

Sure, we respect him for all that. We just want him to clinch the sale.

Seems he wants us to clinch the sale, it is the only VIABLE future, he is not the future, we are the future he knows this.

 

[qwqw212]

I can only speak for myself here, but I've grown weary of Ron Paul's passive approach to leadership. He warns of dire consequences if our nation doesn't soon change its policies. He speaks about the impending economic nightmare that will bankrupt our monetary system. He speaks of a dark future for us and our children if major changes don't soon occur at the federal level. He can do little or nothing to help this cause as one lone voice in the Congress. In fact, he'll probably be castrated even further once the voting is over. As the GOP positions itself for retribution, he simply responds with sheepish grins and reassures them that he will remain a Republican. Yet, when given a chance to create a new party, or even formally endorse a third party, he turns it down. Ron Paul has the power to at least help us make a powerful statement in this election, but he seems to be content to merely enjoy his moment of fame while his loyal cult gleefully defends his every word and deed.

An awful lot of people sacrificed an awful lot of things because they believed that Ron Paul was committed to the same effort that he was encouraging us to commit to. If he's leading by example, this "revolution" has become a joke. And the joke's on us.

I disagree, I think it is one of the best moves Mr. Paul could have made. If we could somehow turn the Republican party into the Libertarian party today, what might it be in a hundred years? It might be something totally different, this has happened to other parties. There isn't a better way to ensure liberty than to break up the two party system for good and to make sure that so much power never returns to such a limited number of parties or individuals. We need to ensure an equal voice for minorities even if we don't agree, this is the kind of thing our liberty movement is all about. I'm behind Mr. Paul 100% on this one. I will not lend support to any candidate on this election, I will only support the idea that Americans must be offered an equal choice among all candidates.

 

[freelance]

I don't think Paul cares about any fame or fortune at all, he has all he needs.

The problem is and why Obama was so liked by some initially, people are looking for a political savior when what they should be looking for is the will to stand up THEMSELVES.

I think that is the biggest point Ron has tried to get across it is not about him, but some still want it to be about HIM an HIM ONLY. it is about US.

Exactly. The rest is trash talk.

 

[IRO-bot]

OMG, a wise and humble man who never said he will be a or "our" leader, a man who said this movement ISN"T about HIM, a man who said this is about all of us, we take charge, we are our own leaders.

Boo-hoo. Quit whining. Grow up, take charge!

 

[acptulsa]

Only a man after all. And an old one, to boot. No, he's not God. Furthermore, he's a humble man who doesn't really want to be the ultimate celebrity, the POTUS.

Douglas Adams said the best person to put in charge is the person who wants it least. He'll not be interested in the ill gotten gains, the power for its own sake or the fame. He'll just try to do the job. I think we all see this truth. I know it plays a role in why I'd love to see him in the job. But the U.S. system is not geared toward drafting our politicians.

In the end, it appears he won't be the substance itself, but only the catalyst. Yes, it is a pity. Now, tell me how we could ever achieve the substance itself if we had no catalyst to start the reaction.

I, too, do wish you could and would boldly grasp power, Dr. Paul, even though I know it goes against your nature. That said, what can I do in the end but thank you from the bottom of my heart for being one hell of a good and honest man?

 

[ronpaulhawaii]

"Cult"?

Using that particular word indicates either arrogance, or ignorance.

I am a member of the "spent oodles and oodles club" and am stoked to see the results of the r3VOLution, so far. Hell, if if weren't for the awakening going on right now, (Thanks to RP) I would still be living a life of suppressed cynicism on Kauai, just waiting in paradise to die...

Again, the cult reference is a creation of the lamestream media and those that repeat it are either enemies, or idiots...

 

[steph3n]

"Cult"?

Using that particular word indicates either arrogance, or ignorance.

I am a member of the "spent oodles and oodles club" and am stoked to see the results of the r3VOLution, so far. Hell, if if weren't for the awakening going on right now, (Thanks to RP) I would still be living a life of suppressed cynicism on Kauai, just waiting in paradise to die...

Again, the cult reference is a creation of the lamestream media and those that repeat it are either enemies, or idiots...

While I won't deny there are some people that act cult-like....(I think any group has such), if they'd only look in the mirror they see could see a much much larger version of the cult personality with the democrats and the reps since Palin came on the scene. They just like to blow smoke our way.

 

[acptulsa]

For mainstream Republicans to accuse anyone of behaving like cult members is both laughable and tragic...

 

[jacmicwag]

Hey, it's Thursday morning coming down for many of us but maybe Ron still has a few tricks up his sleeve (massive Halloween V-mask Party?). He may be passive on one level but he certainly does like to shake things up on another.

 

[RonPaulR3VOLUTION]

Here is the answer:

Paul is no demagogue, and probably couldn't be if he tried. He's too libertarian. He can't stand to tell other people what to do, even people who've shown up looking for instructions. On board the campaign's tiny chartered jet one night (the plane was so small my legs were intertwined with the candidate's for the entire flight), Paul and his staff engaged in an unintentionally hilarious exchange about the cabin lights. The staff wanted to know whether Paul preferred the lights on or off. Not wanting to be bossy, Paul wouldn't say. Ultimately, the staff had to guess. It was a long three minutes.

Being at the center of attention clearly bothers Paul. "I like to be unnoticed," he says, a claim not typically made by presidential candidates. "That's my personality. I see all the excitement and sometimes I say to myself, 'Why do they do that?' I don't see myself as a big deal." Ordinarily you'd have to dismiss a line like that out of hand--if he's so humble, why is he running for president?--but, in Paul's case, it might be true.

http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=83665295-1de6-4571-af9c-0a90f6d1fde0

 

[jblosser]

Nothing has changed I guess. The people still demand a King.

 

[Craig_R]

I didnt read every reply so if this has been said, sorry to be repetative.

I too would like change immediately, however, its not practical. A third party bid would surely fail, as it takes time to shift a whole nation polically, it just cant happen in one election cycle.

I expect by 2012 constitutionalists will have much more sway in national politics.
We will have Ron Paul to thank for it.

 

[MelissaCato]

Ron Paul is an historical intrepid of a human being. "fine" is an understatement.

"Watch what people are cynical about, and one can often discover what they lack." + "Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way" = General George Patton Jr

 

[Thomas_Paine]

I can only speak for myself here, but I've grown weary of Ron Paul's passive approach to leadership. He warns of dire consequences if our nation doesn't soon change its policies. He speaks about the impending economic nightmare that will bankrupt our monetary system. He speaks of a dark future for us and our children if major changes don't soon occur at the federal level. He can do little or nothing to help this cause as one lone voice in the Congress. In fact, he'll probably be castrated even further once the voting is over. As the GOP positions itself for retribution, he simply responds with sheepish grins and reassures them that he will remain a Republican. Yet, when given a chance to create a new party, or even formally endorse a third party, he turns it down. Ron Paul has the power to at least help us make a powerful statement in this election, but he seems to be content to merely enjoy his moment of fame while his loyal cult gleefully defends his every word and deed.

An awful lot of people sacrificed an awful lot of things because they believed that Ron Paul was committed to the same effort that he was encouraging us to commit to. If he's leading by example, this "revolution" has become a joke. And the joke's on us.

More GARBAGE from those who seek to divide the freedom movement, like Bob Barr.

Ron Paul is an leading a third party Renaissance and you are too blind to see it. Bob Barr could have joined the Campaign for Liberty but he choose undermine it instead.

As a grassroots volunteer who has given several SOLID MONTHS to the campaign as well as THOUSANDS of dollars I can say emphatically that the Revolution will continue with or without Bob Barr.

 

[Shink]

Ron is getting people to question their philosophies and urging others to stand up for liberty. I'm not sure what you're expecting of him...endorsing someone won't do too much for one thing. I would have liked to see him be the LP candidate, but then he'd lose his very important spot in the House I believe. We need him chopping down crooks, liars, and tyrants in a philosophical debate.

 

[BillyDkid]

Okay, explain this to me. Neither of the major remotely represents libertarian principles. Both major parties are openly and proudly contemptuous and hostile towards all the principles we hold dear. You saw all the trouble the GOP went to to sabotage Ron Paul and to prevent people from hearing his message. Don't you think they will have that down to a science by the time the next election comes around. Don't you think they have had more than couple meeting determining how to prevent the embarrassment of another Ron Paul next time around?

You would be stupid not to know that and to realize that if we ever had a chance to make an impact on the GOP this was it. Tell, what other way do anyone see that we could ever get a candidate in serious contention for the Presidency except via a third party? Yeah, they make it hard for third parties. So what? Isn't that what we try to change? What else is there to do except to continue to sit back and watch the Republicrats destroy the country. If your argument is "It's too hard for third parties." then where does that leave us? We're not going to do it because it's too hard? Is it easier to see the country continue on its downward spiral?

Someone suggested that we are not be libertarian to be looking for a leader. Well, duh, yeah we can all go off and feel libertarian in our own lives, but unless we get somebody representing our views in high office we will continue to live in a country that is hostile to libertarian values. It's not libertarian to want to have a leader for your movement??? Well, that's pretty damn silly isn't it. The answer to changing the country is to go out and act libertarian???? What does that mean? Not pay your income tax and go to jail? Shoot off fireworks in your back yard so the state police will come an arrest you? Nothing will ever change unless we get people who believe in liberty in positions of power and the only thing that will do that is participating in politics. Can anyone tell me honestly some way that we can ever hope to have a libertarian country - which is to say a country which is about personal, individual liberty - without having leaders who support libertarian values? And how is remotely possibly that we ever do that going through the two major parties who are diametrically opposed to everything we stand for? Yes, Dr. Paul started the dialog and at least got some of us thinking and talking about liberty - and where does that leave us? Does it get us any closer to having a free country?

If all of you truly feel that using all the momentum and enthusiasm we still manage to have around the idea of liberty wouldn't be a good starting point for a political party that would actually represent our view and the views of the 50% of the people in this country who feel no one represents them - then fine. I'll drop it. But it seems so frigging obvious to me - all of us, millions of us do not have a political party representing our views or is not directly hostile to our views - wouldn't it make sense to try and have one? I'm just not getting the logic of what we are doing, if we are doing anything at all. If there was someone or something to support, we would be supporting it.

 

[smudboy]

I can only speak for myself here, but I've grown weary of Ron Paul's passive approach to leadership. He warns of dire consequences if our nation doesn't soon change its policies. He speaks about the impending economic nightmare that will bankrupt our monetary system. He speaks of a dark future for us and our children if major changes don't soon occur at the federal level. He can do little or nothing to help this cause as one lone voice in the Congress. In fact, he'll probably be castrated even further once the voting is over. As the GOP positions itself for retribution, he simply responds with sheepish grins and reassures them that he will remain a Republican. Yet, when given a chance to create a new party, or even formally endorse a third party, he turns it down. Ron Paul has the power to at least help us make a powerful statement in this election, but he seems to be content to merely enjoy his moment of fame while his loyal cult gleefully defends his every word and deed.

An awful lot of people sacrificed an awful lot of things because they believed that Ron Paul was committed to the same effort that he was encouraging us to commit to. If he's leading by example, this "revolution" has become a joke. And the joke's on us.

I agree, although I wouldn't put it that way specifically. Paul (and Barr) dropped the ball in their respective ways. It's exactly how many Paulers feel. The rest are just spouting optimistic interpretations of RPs attitude, while being confused on whether to vote for Chuck or Bob, or what action to take. Informing the public there are 3rd parties, and knowing the big two is a puppet show at a press conference: this is no big news.

Unless there's some new way of doing politics (revolt) in the US, we have to work with what we've got.

Since RP won't go 3rd party (principles) or endorse one (too friendly), the people must therefore create their own 3rd party to vote for. People are confused on Barr's Ying (aggressive leadership) to RP's Yang (passive leadership).

So, from simplest to most complex:
1) C4L creates their own 3rd party with a take-charge leader.
2) C4L finds someone we can agree with on C4L's views (pure-Constitutionalist/Paulian -- I can't say I know all of Paul's views) and put them under one of the existing parties.
3) We rally two/more/all of the 3rd parties and ask them to come together, since they all agree on the Big Four.

The alternate is the standard course: have rallys, argue the crap out of everyone you know like a religious zealot, donate money, sit down protests, etc.

It seems the idea is to see RP as a prophet to the cause, and not its leader. I'm not sure the good doctor will run again in 2012. If he does, and he's still a Republican, I would imagine the same results as this year.

 

[JosephTheLibertarian]

I can only speak for myself here, but I've grown weary of Ron Paul's passive approach to leadership. He warns of dire consequences if our nation doesn't soon change its policies. He speaks about the impending economic nightmare that will bankrupt our monetary system. He speaks of a dark future for us and our children if major changes don't soon occur at the federal level. He can do little or nothing to help this cause as one lone voice in the Congress. In fact, he'll probably be castrated even further once the voting is over. As the GOP positions itself for retribution, he simply responds with sheepish grins and reassures them that he will remain a Republican. Yet, when given a chance to create a new party, or even formally endorse a third party, he turns it down. Ron Paul has the power to at least help us make a powerful statement in this election, but he seems to be content to merely enjoy his moment of fame while his loyal cult gleefully defends his every word and deed.

An awful lot of people sacrificed an awful lot of things because they believed that Ron Paul was committed to the same effort that he was encouraging us to commit to. If he's leading by example, this "revolution" has become a joke. And the joke's on us.

Ron Paul ended his bid, so umm.... late, eh?

 

[smudboy]

This was posted before on the forums, but is video shows a great way to start attacking the opposition:

http://24ahead.com/blog/archives/007121.html